Helpful weather coming to wildfires

Associated Press

WINTHROP, WASH.

Cooler weather and lighter winds are forecast to descend on wildfire-stricken Washington state, helping firefighters battle flames that have been growing unfettered for a week and have covered hundreds of square miles.

Though Sunday’s weather had slight improvements on the high temperatures and gusty winds that have fueled the wildfires, the forecast for today and Tuesday calls for lighter winds and temperatures, said Spokane-based National Weather Service meteorologist Greg Koch.

On Wednesday, a “vigorous” front is expected to cover Washington, bringing rain to much of the state. It also will bring lightning, he said.

Sunday’s official estimate puts the wildfire burning in north-central Washington at more than 370 square miles.

Okanogan County Sheriff Frank Rogers estimates that 150 homes have been destroyed, but suspects that number could be higher.